From Data to Decisions: Why CFOs Shouldn’t Blindly Follow the AI Hype
- Scott Reed
- May 19
- 3 min read

In finance, precision still matters more than hype. Discover how CFOs can balance innovation with accountability.
AI is at the center of the business conversation, with generative, predictive, and adaptive technologies stealing the spotlight. But while artificial intelligence holds undeniable promise, not every application is a silver bullet, especially in the high-stakes world of group financial reporting.
At Otisco, we work with finance leaders who value precision, accountability, and governance. While AI can enhance these outcomes, it cannot replace the human judgment required in areas where accuracy is unforgiving and control is non-negotiable. That’s why we believe in automation with oversight, not automation for the sake of trend-chasing.
This blog explores where AI delivers value in finance and where a more grounded, controlled approach still reigns supreme.
The Limitations of Traditional Financial Analysis
Most finance leaders don’t need to be convinced that legacy systems are falling short. Siloed data, manual consolidation, and outdated insights are all too familiar.
Slow decision-making
Manual workflows delay the month-end close, preventing timely, strategic insights.
Limited forecasting
Traditional systems struggle with forward-looking modeling, which limits scenario planning and trend anticipation.
Data overload
Too much raw data and insufficient clarity leads teams to spend more time chasing numbers than analyzing them.
The result? Reactive decisions, missed opportunities, and growing compliance concerns in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. [Source: Deloitte CFO Signals Survey]
Discover how Otisco simplifies financial reporting through automation.
Learn more here
AI in Finance: Valuable Tool, Not Total Replacement
AI has the potential to support the finance function, not dominate it. At Otisco, we design reporting workflows to support decision-making, ensuring finance teams stay in control while working more efficiently without compromising accuracy or accountability.
Forecasting with Caution
AI can provide more accurate predictions by analyzing historical trends and external signals. However, models still require expert calibration and validation. [Source: McKinsey – “The State of AI in 2023”]
Real-Time Alerts (Not Decisions)
AI is excellent at flagging anomalies or inconsistencies. But determining materiality? That’s where humans still need to lead.
Scenario Planning with Guardrails
Machine learning helps speed up scenario testing, but finance teams must still define the assumptions and strategic direction behind each model.
Dashboards That Show (Not Decide)
Real-time dashboards provide helpful visibility. However, transparency is only valuable when it leads to well-informed, human-led conversations.
A More Balanced Approach to Financial Automation
At Otisco, we streamline financial reporting while keeping finance professionals in control. Our platform automates what slows you down, but it’s built to enhance, not replace, your expertise.
Group Consolidation, Simplified
Otisco’s Consolidation Connector (CC) streamlines the flow of financial data from your ERP to your consolidation tool, reducing manual work, close times, and errors.
Gain more control, improve accuracy, and free up your team to focus on what matters.
Seamless Accounting System Integration
Otisco plugs into 70+ ERP and accounting systems, enabling scalable reporting without costly tech overhauls.
Compliance-First Reporting
In a world of increasing audit scrutiny, we help you tighten governance and ensure your numbers are always defensible.
Respect the Risk, Control the Narrative
Our clients are pragmatic. They want real results, not vague promises. And in our experience, finance teams earn more respect when they challenge overhyped trends and stay focused on what matters: transparency, control, and strategic clarity.
AI is not your CFO. It’s a tool. Using it wisely can help you get where you want to go, but only if you stay in the driver’s seat.
Want a Smarter, More Controlled Reporting Process?
Otisco helps finance teams cut through the noise, streamline reporting, and stay compliant without handing the reins to AI.
Let’s talk about how we can future-proof your reporting process without the hype. [Book a consultation]
Sources & References Behind The Blog
By Turnkey Project Stockholm - Constance Ragell
For readers interested in diving deeper into the insights behind this blog, here are the key resources and industry research used in developing this content:
McKinsey & Company – The State of AI in 2023: Generative AI’s Breakout Year
Deloitte – CFO Signals™: Quarterly CFO Survey
Gartner – Top 5 Finance Trends and Priorities for CFOs in 2025
Harvard Business Review – Why CEOs Should Think Twice Before Using AI to Write Messages
Discover how Otisco simplifies financial reporting through automation.
Learn more here
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